Cab-coupling



C. B. CUTTER.

Car Coupling.

No.- 20.627. Patented June 22. I858.

NPEIERS, PHUTO LITNOGRAPMEE WASNINQTON. D c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

C. B. COTTER, OF HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

CAR-COUPLING.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 20,627, dated June 22, 1858 To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, C. B. COTTER, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Car- Couplings; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

The nature of my invention consists in the peculiar construction and arrangement of the several parts which will be hereinafter described.

In order that those skilled in the arts may use and manufacture my invention I will proceed to describe its construction and operation.

In the annexed drawings Figures 1, 2, and 3 represent side views of the coupling, with the several parts in different positions. Fig. 4 represents a top View of the coupling.

In the several figures (A) represents a connecting rod, the peculiar form of which is seen. The connecting end of this rod is somewhat in the form of an arrow head, (6) being the head, the apex and (0 0) shoulders of said head. (it n) are also shoulders on this connecting rod A, said rod being thicker through from n, to n, than from 0, to 0. (a a) represent an incline from (n n to 0, 0,) as is clearly shown in the drawings.

B, represents that portion of the coupler to which the jaws (c c) are attached, said jaws being pivoted at operate on these pivots up or down as circumstances may require. (g) is a right and left screw which passes through these jaws and serves to separate them when it may be desired by the brakeman. (cl (Z) are shoulders at the coupling end of these jaws. Said shoulders ((Z cl) correspond with shoulders (0 0) on the connecting rod.

(m m) are lugs secured on the inside of jaws (c 0) as seen in the drawings in such a position that the point (as) will strike one of said lugs when the connecting rod is pressed either up or down and thus prize open the jaws and allow the head of the rod to pass out.

This coupling when the two parts are forced together will connect itself, and it will also disconnect under all circumstances when one of the cars leaves the track. If the front car should run off to one side the coupler will assume the position seen in Fig. 4, the jaws passing on and leaving the rod A behind. Should the car jump down a bank, Fig. 3, represents the position of the parts, the jaws being pressed apart and the rod A passing out. The rod may when the hind wheels are thrown off move out in a direct line-and so in any position in which the cars may be placed in case of an accident this coupling will act as a complete disconnector.

The jaws (a c) are made of spring steel, and are made double the width of the rail, so that whenever the wheel crosses the rail the coupler will disconnect.

By means of the inclined form of the rod A I have an effectual friction bumper which prevents that jar and rock consequent upon sudden concussion made by the collision of two cars.

Having thus fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is The peculiar arrangement of the coupling bar A, as constructed in combination with the spring jaws (c 0), the lugs and the right and left screw (9) for the purpose of making a self connecting and self disconnecting car coupler and friction bumper, as is herein fully described.

G. B. COTTER.

Vitnesses C. M. ALEXANDER, ALBERT L. SHEAR. 

